Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen recently faced a unique challenge at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, one of the most demanding and legendary tracks in motorsport. The four-time world champion, fresh from his victory at the Italian Grand Prix, took part in a four-hour ADAC ACAS Cup event, navigating more than one hundred corners in a detuned Porsche Cayman GT4.
The goal was to obtain the A license, which is required to drive higher-performance GT3 cars in the future. Verstappen explained that participating in the race was mandatory for the license and that, although the car was not as powerful as the ones he normally drives in Formula 1, the experience proved to be extremely useful.
A day well spent despite the slower pace
The Hasselt-born talent emphasized that even the detuned car was interesting to drive, praising the excellent support from the organizers. The event allowed him to complete the course in a single session, while normally two races would have been required.
Max recounted taking advantage of driving both in wet and dry conditions, completing a start procedure, and learning flag rules, which differ from those in Formula 1. According to him, it ultimately doesn’t matter which car you drive on the Nordschleife: the experience of pushing the vehicle to its limits makes every session both fun and educational.
The Red Bull driver had previously tried a Ferrari GT3 from Emil Frey during a private Nordschleife session. Under the pseudonym “Franz Hermann,” Max unofficially beat the GT3 lap record, demonstrating from the start his ability to adapt to cars beyond Formula 1 machinery.
Looking ahead: the mental and technical approach of a champion
The Nordschleife experience was not an end in itself. Max aims to compete in next season’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring, scheduled from May 15 to 17, without overlapping with his Formula 1 commitments. He confirmed his interest in racing outside the top category, emphasizing that every lap on the German track is a unique and valuable experience for his growth as a driver.
This is precisely why, even in a detuned car, he was able to focus on driving aspects that could prove decisive when handling a competitive GT3. Managing variable conditions, learning the track, and mastering the start procedure are all elements that can make the difference in endurance races.
The Dutchman highlighted the importance of approaching the track with the right mindset. While acknowledging that the car was not the most thrilling to drive, he focused on technical details such as brake management, line perception, and car behavior in changing conditions—factors that cannot be replicated in a standard simulator session.
Moreover, he praised the collaborative nature of the experience: the event organization was flawless, with instructors available and ready to provide support. The ability to drive two different cars or complete the course in a single session was an added value, making the Nordschleife training extremely effective.
A passion that goes beyond Formula 1
Finally, it’s worth noting Max’s deep attachment to racing. His passion extends far beyond the pinnacle of motorsport. This does not mean Formula 1 is no longer the priority. However, his desire to compete in other arenas demonstrates his eagerness to challenge himself in different settings, which, even if on a smaller scale, can still provide thrills for the Red Bull driver.
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